This November, we mark the centenary of the end of the First World War.

This is a poignant time of year. We remember those who have fallen, not just in the world wars, but in all conflicts across the world. It’s a chance, for some, to remember loved ones, and also to remember those who left our town but never returned.

The impact the First World War had on our town was enormous. Huge numbers of Watford men joined the call to arms, including ­— according to local newspaper reports ­— ‘20 men from 27 houses in Cross Street’. Nearly all Watford men who joined the war effort became part of the Hertfordshire Regiment, which played a key role in the Battle of Ypres. The town also pulled together around the war effort. Given Watford’s proximity to training camps and transport links, Watford families regularly hosted servicemen in the town, and Watford residents formed working parties, making pyjamas and padded splints for the wounded.

That’s why this year, I’m particularly proud to be working with Watford Museum to produce a special series of events as part of the town’s Watford Will Remember project, to coincide with this centenary. This is a remarkable project that aims to research many of Watford’s war heroes, look at the impact that the war had on the town as well as bring together a number of Remembrance events happening across Watford.

As well as our annual Remembrance event at the Town Hall and other remembrance services across the town, we will be running a beacon lighting ceremony at Watford Museum on November 11, where residents can light a beacon in remembrance of our town’s fallen. The beacons will symbolise the 'light of hope' that emerged from the darkness of war.

Residents will also start to see a number of Tommy silhouettes as part of Watford’s participation in the There but not There project. Councillors across Watford have helped pay for the silhouettes to sit, or stand to attention, in a number of our local landmarks. Funds raised from the project will go to The Royal Foundation, Walking with the Wounded, Combat Stress, Help for Heroes, Project Equinox and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

There are a number of other events happening which can be found at https://www.watfordwillremember.co.uk

I hope residents will join with me to remember all those from our town who made the ultimate sacrifice.